Annual Report 2007-08

Connections

To view the entire report, please choose a download option at bottom of this page.

Water is central to a healthy community, and water connections are a vital link for both our citizens and our region. As the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, we are more than the 1,570 miles of water main connecting the communities of our region. Our mission is to provide a reliable supply of high-quality water at a reasonable cost for today and future generations while promoting the preservation of watershed land and aquifers.

We have a deep appreciation for the natural environment. As owners of over 25,000 acres of land in the region, this open space is vital to how we connect to our communities. We believe people should be able to experience the physical and social benefits provided by the great outdoors. This is the primary reason we have a regional recreation program, which spans 10 towns and marks its 25th anniversary this year. We take great satisfaction in knowing that 5,000 permit holders annually connect with our hiking and biking trails as well as our 17 miles of fishing streams.

Our community connections extend beyond our recreation areas. Ten thousand children, from nearly all the school districts in our region, get hands-on lessons about water science from our educators at the Whitney Water Center. And HazWaste Central, approaching its 19th year, proves that a regional approach for the disposal of household hazardous waste works. The facility draws over 6,200 users each season. It is free to residents in our district who want to get rid of paint, fertilizers, batteries and other waste that, if left in the environment would harm water quality.

In January, we completed the acquisition of the former Birmingham Utilities (BUI), serving the municipalities of Ansonia, Derby and Seymour—long recognized as an integral part of the region. The additional 9,500 customers in these new municipalities have expanded our community connections; today we have over 115,000 customers in total.

Along with new customers, we acquired 1,400 acres of land from the former BUI. While we are in the process of incorporating these parcels into our land use planning efforts, our current Land Use Plan continues to be our guide to the development and protection of our current landholdings. Our multi-barrier approach to watershed protection helps safeguard our region’s water supply. Last year, we invested $3.2 million dollars in acquiring 165 acres of land and conservation easements. Practicing strategic conservation allows us to link together vital parcels of watershed lands, protect wildlife habitats and help shape communities—all vital elements to a livable future.

Working together, our 300-plus employees make these connections work every day. They take enormous pride in providing the water that you depend upon in your homes and businesses. It is a pleasure to work with these women and men who contribute so much to the quality of life in our region.

To view the entire report, please choose a download option below.

Downloads

Full Report (Medium Quality 3.32 MB)

Financial Statements Only (572 K)